INNOVATE INDIANA

SOUTH SHORE TRAIN: CONNECTING CHICAGO
PHASE ONE (INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL FROM
SOUTH BEND TO MICHIGAN CITY)
The first phase of the overall project is
focused on a series of infrastructure projects
which are precursors to making other
infrastructure improvements and service
enhancements to improve South Bend’s
connectivity to Chicago. The benefits of this
phase include increased safety and reliability
and will alleviate the need for intermittent
busing passengers of between the South
Bend and Michigan City stations.
This project includes the final phase of a
multi-year investment to upgrade the last 21
miles of aging overhead power distribution
system, upgrade 8.3 track miles of rail from
100# to 115# rail, and extend Birchim Siding
with hi-speed turnouts located in eastern
LaPorte County by 4,500’. The overhead
wire design and hardware dates back to
the 1920s and wire failures are the single
leading cause of lengthy train delays. The
INVESTMENT SUMMARY
MARQUEE PROJECT III | SECTION 6
railroad’s remote location between South
Bend and Michigan City represents a
significant safety concern for passengers,
increasing the probability of being stranded
in unfavorable weather conditions. The
existing rail was manufactured in the early
1900s and is subject to a higher rate of
failure due to wear, fatigue and internal
flaws. Furthermore, 100# rail and track
components are no longer manufactured.
Extending Birchim Siding will give the ability
to increase South Bend service by providing
a longer siding for east and westbound
trains to pass at faster speeds.
This project also includes $1 million
to conduct the engineering study in
preparation for phase two of the project
(South Bend Track Realignment).
SOUTH SHORE PHASE 1 • TIMELINE APRIL 2016–JUNE 2017
TOTAL PROJECT COST $31,725,000* PERCENT SOURCE
State Public Funds $4,758,750 15% Northern Indiana RDA
Local Public Funds $4,608,750 14.53% NICTD
Other Local Funds $150,000 0.47% Federal TIGER VII grant
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE REGION ENGAGED CURRENT TRENDS
STATE OF THE REGION
& QUALITY OF PLACE
VISION & STRATEGY
PROJECTS
STAKEHOLDERS, EXECUTION
& STRUCTURAL CHANGES
BENCHMARKING
& MEASUREMENT
Federal Funds $22,207,500 70% Federal TIGER VII grant
Private Funds 0 Offset by other private projects
*Phases 1 and 2 are included in the RCNI funding request
REGIONALCITIESOFNORTHERNINDIANA.ORG |
82
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT